Description: Be dazzled by the splendour of traditional adornments, or “prykrasy”, from different ethnographic regions of Ukraine. See how seed beads create incredible patterns and motifs in loomwoven “gerdany”, and netted “sylianky”. Understand why and how the distinctive adornments styles were worn. This spirit continues to inspire contemporary beaders of today as seen in Maria Rypan’s rich visual presentation.

Bio: Maria Rypan has become a recognized expert in Ukrainian-style beadwork. She is continually experimenting with new ways of beading within her cultural tradition. Her specialties are netting, unique beadweaving and loomweaving techniques. In 1995 she wanted to share this unique tradition with like-minded cultural enthusiasts so she developed a series of beadwork classes with her own instructional material. Her most memorable project was the 1992 multi-media event to launch dissident Iryna Senyk’s White Aster of Love. Maria designed 27 dresses, produced a bilingual 160 page deluxe book and the multi-media Premiere. Since 1995 Rypan Designs has a strong international presence through teaching, producing a kit line, doing shows and visual presentations on beading and global folk arts in Canada, USA and Ukraine. Visit www.rypandesigns.com